Stock Analysis

Why We're Not Concerned Yet About Canopy Growth Corporation's (TSE:WEED) 42% Share Price Plunge

TSX:WEED
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Unfortunately for some shareholders, the Canopy Growth Corporation (TSE:WEED) share price has dived 42% in the last thirty days, prolonging recent pain. The recent drop completes a disastrous twelve months for shareholders, who are sitting on a 86% loss during that time.

Although its price has dipped substantially, you could still be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Canopy Growth's P/S ratio of 1x, since the median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio for the Pharmaceuticals industry in Canada is also close to 0.9x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

View our latest analysis for Canopy Growth

ps-multiple-vs-industry
TSX:WEED Price to Sales Ratio vs Industry December 22nd 2023

What Does Canopy Growth's Recent Performance Look Like?

Canopy Growth could be doing better as its revenue has been going backwards lately while most other companies have been seeing positive revenue growth. It might be that many expect the dour revenue performance to strengthen positively, which has kept the P/S from falling. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report on Canopy Growth.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The P/S Ratio?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Canopy Growth would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 13%. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 23% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the analysts covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 10% per annum over the next three years. That's shaping up to be similar to the 8.6% each year growth forecast for the broader industry.

In light of this, it's understandable that Canopy Growth's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are expecting to see average future growth and are only willing to pay a moderate amount for the stock.

What Does Canopy Growth's P/S Mean For Investors?

Following Canopy Growth's share price tumble, its P/S is just clinging on to the industry median P/S. Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-sales ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company.

A Canopy Growth's P/S seems about right to us given the knowledge that analysts are forecasting a revenue outlook that is similar to the Pharmaceuticals industry. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement or deterioration in revenue isn't great enough to push P/S in a higher or lower direction. If all things remain constant, the possibility of a drastic share price movement remains fairly remote.

You should always think about risks. Case in point, we've spotted 5 warning signs for Canopy Growth you should be aware of, and 2 of them are a bit concerning.

If strong companies turning a profit tickle your fancy, then you'll want to check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.